Who Can Apply for Mitacs Accelerate International
Mitacs Accelerate International is an exceptional opportunity for those seeking to engage in international research collaborations. Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial for potential applicants to assess their fit for this program. This article provides a comprehensive overview of who can apply to Mitacs Accelerate International, ensuring that your application process is as smooth as possible.
Program Overview
Mitacs Accelerate International facilitates bilateral research collaborations between students and postdoctoral fellows, universities, and industry partners in Canada and abroad. The program is open to those in all academic disciplines and supports projects that involve international travel to or from Canada. Participants must demonstrate how their projects benefit Canada, whether through training Canadian residents, attracting talent, or fostering research relationships that enhance Canadian innovation.
Applicant Type Requirements
Mitacs Accelerate International is open to the following groups:
Students and Postdoctoral Fellows: Must be enrolled full-time at Mitacs partner institutions in Canada or abroad, except in countries classified as "Avoid all travel" or "Avoid non-essential travel" by the Government of Canada.
Citizenship: Applicants may be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, international students (with a student visa), or international postdoctoral fellows (with a valid work permit). Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Size & Scale Criteria
While there are no specific size or revenue requirements for individual applicants, participating organizations must demonstrate their capability to support the research project. This includes providing a minimum financial contribution of $7,500 and ensuring the availability of necessary resources and facilities for project execution.
Geographic Eligibility
Eligibility extends internationally, allowing for projects based in Canada or in Mitacs partner countries. Projects must include at least one intern traveling to or from Canada, ensuring bilateral collaboration.
Project & Activity Requirements
Eligible projects must involve:
Research Collaboration: Must be conducted between Canadian and international academic institutions and industry partners. Projects should demonstrate potential benefits to Canada, such as training for Canadian citizens or creating intellectual property within Canadian jurisdictions.
Discipline Flexibility: Open to all academic disciplines, allowing for diverse research topics and innovative approaches.
Financial & Operational Criteria
Partner Organizations: May include for-profit and eligible not-for-profit corporations, municipalities, and hospitals in Canada, as well as for-profit businesses operating outside of Canada.
Funding Requirements: Partner organizations are required to contribute financially to the project, with a minimum of $7,500 per internship.
Ineligible Applicants
Interns seeking to undertake projects in countries currently under travel advisories by the Government of Canada.
Individuals who do not meet the academic or visa requirements as outlined above.
Special Cases & Exceptions
Indigenous Pathways: Limited availability; applicants are encouraged to connect with a Mitacs advisor for guidance.
Concurrent Internships: Interns cannot hold overlapping Mitacs internships.
Self-Assessment Checklist
Are you a full-time student or postdoctoral fellow at a Mitacs partner institution?
Do you meet the citizenship and residency requirements?
Is your project aligned with the program's collaborative goals?
Conclusion
Understanding the eligibility criteria for Mitacs Accelerate International is an essential step in preparing your application. By ensuring you meet these requirements, you position yourself for a successful application process. For further assistance, consult with a Mitacs advisor or visit the official Mitacs website.
